JP5845371B1 - smartphone - Google Patents

Abstract

A smartphone capable of simultaneously detecting a touch position and pressure is provided. A capacitive touch sensor includes a cover layer and a liquid crystal layer and a first glass layer and a second glass layer located between the liquid crystal layer and the liquid crystal layer. At least a part of the LCD panel is located between the first glass layer and the second glass layer, and a backlight unit is located below the LCD panel. Furthermore, a pressure electrode located below the backlight unit, a shielding member located below the pressure electrode, and a converter 650 that converts a signal for the amount of change in capacitance output from the pressure electrode into a digital signal. Including. The touch sensor includes a plurality of drive electrodes and a plurality of reception electrodes. A drive signal is applied to the touch sensor, a touch position is detected from a sensing signal output from the touch sensor, and the magnitude of the touch pressure is determined from the digital signal. To detect. [Selection] Figure 9

Description

    The present invention relates to a smartphone, and more particularly to a smartphone capable of simultaneously detecting a touch position and a touch pressure.

    Various types of input devices for operating computing systems such as buttons, keys, joysticks, and touch screens have been developed and utilized. Among them, the touch screen has various advantages such as easy operation, downsizing of the product, and simplification of the manufacturing process, and has received the greatest attention.

    The touch screen may constitute a touch surface of a touch input device that includes a touch sensor panel that may be a transparent panel with a touch-sensitive surface. Such a touch sensor panel is attached to the front surface of the display screen, and the touch-sensitive surface can cover the visible surface of the display screen. The user can operate the computing system by simply touching the touch screen with a finger or the like. In general, a computing system can perform operations accordingly by recognizing touches and touch locations on a touch screen and interpreting such touches.

    At this time, a need has arisen for a detection device that can simultaneously detect the touch position and the touch pressure without degrading the performance of the display module.

    The objective of this invention is providing the smart phone which can detect a touch position and a touch pressure simultaneously.

    A smartphone according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a cover layer, a liquid crystal layer and a first glass layer and a second glass layer positioned between the liquid crystal layer and positioned below the cover layer. An LCD panel in which at least a part of a touch sensor that senses touch is positioned between the first glass layer and the second glass layer, a backlight unit positioned at a lower portion of the LCD panel, and a lower portion of the backlight unit The pressure sensor, a shielding member located below the pressure electrode, and a converter that converts a signal for a change in capacitance output from the pressure electrode into a digital signal, the touch sensor Includes a plurality of drive electrodes and a plurality of reception electrodes, and a drive signal is applied to the touch sensor, and a sensor signal is output from the touch sensor. Can be detected Ji position, it is possible to detect the magnitude of touch pressure from the digital signal.

    A smartphone according to another embodiment of the present invention includes a cover layer, a liquid crystal layer and a first glass layer and a second glass layer that are located between the liquid crystal layer and the electrostatic capacity. At least a part of the touch sensor that senses a touch in a manner includes an LCD panel located between the first glass layer and the second glass layer, a lower part of the LCD panel, and a light source and a reflector. A digital signal representing a backlight unit, a pressure electrode positioned below the backlight unit, a shielding member positioned below the pressure electrode, and a change in capacitance output from the pressure electrode. A converter for converting, and the touch sensor includes a plurality of driving electrodes and a plurality of receiving electrodes, and a driving unit for applying a driving signal to the touch sensor; A sensing unit for receiving a sensing signal from the touch sensor and detecting a touch position; and a pressure detecting unit for detecting the magnitude of the touch pressure from the digital signal, wherein the converter and the pressure detecting unit include: It may be a separate configuration.

    A smartphone according to yet another embodiment of the present invention includes a cover layer, a liquid crystal layer and a first glass layer and a second glass layer located between the liquid crystal layer and below the cover layer, An LCD panel in which at least a part of a touch sensor that senses a touch in a capacitive manner is positioned between the first glass layer and the second glass layer, a backlight unit positioned below the LCD panel, and the backlight A pressure electrode located in a lower part of the unit; a reference potential layer spaced apart from the pressure electrode; and a converter that converts a signal with respect to a change in capacitance output from the pressure electrode into a digital signal, The touch sensor includes a plurality of driving electrodes and a plurality of receiving electrodes, and a sensing signal output from the touch sensor when a driving signal is applied to the touch sensor. The touch position can be detected, the magnitude of the touch pressure can be detected from the digital signal, and the amount of change in the capacitance varies depending on the distance between the pressure electrode and the reference potential layer. obtain.

    According to the smartphone of the present invention having the above configuration, the touch position and the touch pressure can be detected simultaneously.

1 is a schematic view of a capacitive touch sensor panel according to an embodiment of the present invention and a configuration for this operation. FIG. FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the relative position of a touch sensor panel with respect to a display module in a touch input device according to an embodiment of the invention. FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the relative position of a touch sensor panel with respect to a display module in a touch input device according to an embodiment of the invention. FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the relative position of a touch sensor panel with respect to a display module in a touch input device according to an embodiment of the invention. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a touch input device configured to be able to detect a touch position and a touch pressure according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a touch input device according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a perspective view of a touch input device according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a touch input device including a pressure electrode pattern according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view when a pressure is applied to the touch input device illustrated in FIG. 4A. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a touch input device including a pressure electrode according to an embodiment of the present invention. 2 illustrates a pressure electrode pattern according to an embodiment of the present invention. 2 illustrates a pressure electrode pattern according to an embodiment of the present invention. The pressure electrode pattern which can be applied to embodiment of this invention is illustrated. The pressure electrode pattern which can be applied to embodiment of this invention is illustrated. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a touch input device including a pressure electrode according to an embodiment of the present invention. 2 illustrates a pressure electrode pattern according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a touch input device according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is an exemplary cross-sectional view of a display module that can be included in a touch input device according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a perspective view of a touch input device according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a touch input device including a pressure electrode pattern according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view when pressure is applied to the touch input device shown in FIG. 7B. It is sectional drawing of the touch input device containing the pressure electrode pattern by the modification of embodiment of this invention. FIG. 7D is a cross-sectional view when a pressure is applied to the touch input device illustrated in FIG. 7D. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a touch input device including a pressure electrode according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a touch input device including a pressure electrode according to an embodiment of the present invention. 2 illustrates a pressure electrode pattern according to an embodiment of the present invention. 3 illustrates an attachment structure of a pressure electrode according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the touch input device by 1st thru | or 6th embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the touch input device by 1st thru | or 6th embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the touch input device by 1st thru | or 6th embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the touch input device by 1st thru | or 6th embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the touch input device by 1st thru | or 6th embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the touch input device by 1st thru | or 6th embodiment of this invention.

    The following detailed description of the invention refers to the accompanying drawings that illustrate, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. It should be understood that the various embodiments of the present invention are different from each other but need not be mutually exclusive. For example, the specific shapes, structures and characteristics described herein may be embodied in other embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention in connection with one embodiment. It should also be understood that the location or arrangement of individual components within each disclosed embodiment may be altered without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention, if properly described, is accompanied by all equivalents of the claims that are claimed. Only by the appended claims. In the drawings, like reference numbers indicate identical or similar functions throughout the various aspects.

    1 to 8 are views for explaining a basic operation principle of a touch input device 1000 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In particular, the following description for the method of detecting the touch position and the touch pressure can be applied in common to the first to sixth embodiments described later.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a capacitive touch sensor panel 100 and a configuration for this operation. Referring to FIG. 1, the touch sensor panel 100 of the present invention includes a plurality of drive electrodes TX1 to TXn and a plurality of reception electrodes RX1 to RXm, and a plurality of drive electrodes TX1 to TXn for the operation of the touch sensor panel 100. And a sensing unit 110 that detects a touch and a touch position by receiving a sensing signal including information on a change amount of a capacitance that changes due to a touch on the touch surface of the touch sensor panel 100. May be included.

    As shown in FIG. 1, the touch sensor panel 100 may include a plurality of drive electrodes TX1 to TXn and a plurality of reception electrodes RX1 to RXm. FIG. 1 shows that the plurality of drive electrodes TX1 to TXn and the plurality of reception electrodes RX1 to RXm of the touch sensor panel 100 form an orthogonal array. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and The drive electrodes TX1 to TXn and the plurality of receiving electrodes RX1 to RXm can have an arbitrary number of dimensions including a diagonal line, a concentric circle, and a three-dimensional random array, and this application array. Here, n and m may have the same or different values as integers of quantities, and may have different sizes.

    As shown in FIG. 1, the plurality of drive electrodes TX1 to TXn and the plurality of reception electrodes RX1 to RXm may be arranged so as to cross each other. The drive electrode TX includes a plurality of drive electrodes TX1 to TXn extending in the first axis direction, and the reception electrode RX includes a plurality of reception electrodes RX1 to RXm extending in the second axis direction intersecting the first axis direction. But you can.

    In the touch sensor panel 100 having one configuration of the present invention, the plurality of drive electrodes TX1 to TXn and the plurality of reception electrodes RX1 to RXm may be formed in the same layer. For example, the plurality of drive electrodes TX1 to TXn and the plurality of reception electrodes RX1 to RXm may be formed on the same surface of an insulating film (not shown). Further, the plurality of drive electrodes TX1 to TXn and the plurality of reception electrodes RX1 to RXm may be formed in different layers. For example, the plurality of drive electrodes TX1 to TXn and the plurality of reception electrodes RX1 to RXm may be formed on both surfaces of one insulating film (not shown), or the plurality of drive electrodes TX1 to TXn The one insulating film (not shown) and the plurality of receiving electrodes RX1 to RXm may be formed on one surface of a second insulating film (not shown) different from the first insulating film.

The plurality of drive electrodes TX1 to TXn and the plurality of reception electrodes RX1 to RXm include transparent conductive materials (for example, ITO (Indium Tin Oxide) made of tin oxide (SnO ₂ ), indium oxide (In ₂ O ₃ ), or the like. It may be formed from ATO (Antimony Tin Oxide) or the like. However, this is merely an example, and the driving electrode TX and the receiving electrode RX may be formed of other transparent conductive materials or opaque conductive materials. For example, the driving electrode TX and the receiving electrode RX may include at least one of silver ink, copper, and carbon nanotube (CNT). In addition, the driving electrode TX and the receiving electrode RX may be implemented with a metal mesh, or may be made of a silver nano material.

    The driving unit 120, which is one configuration of the touch input device 1000 according to an embodiment of the present invention, can apply a driving signal to the driving electrodes TX1 to TXn. In the touch input device 1000 according to the embodiment of the present invention, the driving signal may be sequentially applied to one driving electrode at a time from the first driving electrode TX1 to the nth driving electrode TXn. Such application of the driving signal may be repeated again. This is merely an example, and drive signals may be simultaneously applied to multiple drive electrodes according to the embodiment.

    The sensing unit 110 receives a sensing signal including information on the capacitance Cm: 101 generated between the driving electrodes TX1 to TXn to which the driving signal is applied through the receiving electrodes RX1 to RXm and the receiving electrodes RX1 to RXm. Thus, presence / absence of a touch and a touch position can be detected. For example, the sensing signal may be a signal obtained by coupling a driving signal applied to the driving electrode TX with a capacitance Cm: 101 generated between the driving electrode TX and the receiving electrode RX. As described above, the process of sensing the driving signals applied from the first driving electrode TX1 to the nth driving electrode TXn through the receiving electrodes RX1 to RXm can be designated as scanning the touch sensor panel 100.

    For example, the sensing unit 110 may include a receiver (not shown) connected to each of the reception electrodes RX1 to RXm through a switch. The switch is turned on during a time period in which a signal of the corresponding reception electrode RX is sensed, and a sensing signal from the reception electrode RX can be sensed by the receiver. The receiver may be configured to include an amplifier (not shown) and a feedback capacitor coupled between the negative (−) input of the amplifier and the output of the amplifier, ie, a feedback path. At this time, the positive (+) input terminal of the amplifier may be connected to the ground. The receiver may further include a reset switch connected in parallel with the feedback capacitor. The reset switch can reset the conversion to voltage in the current performed by the receiver. The negative input terminal of the amplifier is connected to the receiving electrode RX and receives a current signal including information on the capacitance Cm: 101, and then integrates it to convert it into a voltage. The sensing unit 110 may further include an ADC (not shown: analog to digital converter) that converts data integrated through the receiver into digital data. Thereafter, the digital data may be input to a processor (not shown) and processed to obtain touch information for the touch sensor panel 100. The sensing unit 110 may be configured to include an ADC and a processor together with the receiver.

    The controller 130 may perform a function of controlling operations of the driving unit 120 and the sensing unit 110. For example, after generating the drive control signal, the control unit 130 can transmit the drive control signal to the drive unit 120 so that the drive signal is applied to the drive electrode TX set in advance at a predetermined time. The controller 130 generates a sensing control signal and then transmits the sensing control signal to the sensing unit 110. The sensing unit 110 receives a sensing signal from the receiving electrode RX set in advance at a predetermined time, and is set in advance. Can perform functions.

    In FIG. 1, the driving unit 120 and the sensing unit 110 include a touch detection device (not shown) that can detect the presence / absence of a touch on the touch sensor panel 100 and the touch position of the touch input device 1000 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Can be configured. The touch input device 1000 according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include a controller 130. In an embodiment of the present invention, the touch input device 1000 including the touch sensor panel 100 may be embodied by being integrated on a touch sensing integrated circuit (150 in FIG. 10) that is a touch sensing circuit. . The driving electrode TX and the receiving electrode RX included in the touch sensor panel 100 may be included in the touch sensing IC 150 through, for example, a conductive trace and / or a conductive pattern printed on a circuit board. The driving unit 120 and the sensing unit 110 may be connected.

    As described in detail above, when an electrostatic capacitance C having a predetermined value is generated at each intersection of the drive electrode TX and the reception electrode RX and an object such as a finger is in proximity to the touch sensor panel 100, such a static capacitance C is generated. The value of electric capacity may be changed. In FIG. 1, the capacitance may represent a mutual capacitance Cm. Such electrical characteristics can be sensed by the sensing unit 110 to sense the presence / absence of a touch on the touch sensor panel 100 and / or the touch position. For example, the presence / absence of touch and / or the position thereof on the surface of the touch sensor panel 100 formed of a two-dimensional plane including the first axis and the second axis can be detected.

    More specifically, when a touch on the touch sensor panel 100 occurs, the position of the touch in the second axis direction can be detected by detecting the drive electrode TX to which the drive signal is applied. Similarly, the position of the touch in the first axis direction can be detected by detecting the change in capacitance from the received signal received through the receiving electrode RX when the touch sensor panel 100 is touched.

    As described above, the mutual capacitive touch sensor panel has been described in detail as the touch sensor panel 100. In the touch input device 1000 according to an embodiment of the present invention, a touch sensor for detecting presence / absence of a touch and a touch position is described. The panel 100 has a self-capacitance method, a surface capacitance method, a projected capacitance method, a resistive film method, a surface acoustic wave method (SAW), infrared (infrared) other than the above-described method. ) Method, optical imaging method, dispersive signal technology, and acoustic pulse recognition method. It may be implemented using a scanning method.

    The touch sensor panel 100 for detecting the touch position in the touch input device 1000 according to the embodiment of the present invention may be located outside or inside the display module 200.

    The display module 200 of the touch input device 1000 according to an embodiment of the present invention is included in a liquid crystal display (LCD), a plasma display panel (PDP), an organic light emitting diode (OLED), and the like. It may be a display panel. Accordingly, the user can perform an input action by performing a touch on the touch surface while visually confirming a screen displayed on the display panel.

    At this time, the display module 200 receives an input from a central processing unit (CPU) or an application processor (AP) that is a central processing unit on a main board for operation of the touch input device 1000, and displays the display module 200. A control circuit for displaying desired contents on the panel may be included.

    At this time, the control circuit for operating the display panel 200 may include a display panel control IC, a graphic controller IC, and other circuits necessary for the operation of the display panel 200.

    2A, 2B and 2C are conceptual views illustrating the relative position of the touch sensor panel with respect to the display module in the touch input device 1000 according to an embodiment of the present invention. 2a to 2c, an LCD panel is shown as a display panel. However, this is only an example, and any display panel may be applied to the touch input device 1000 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

    In the present specification, a reference numeral 200A indicates a display panel included in the display module 200. As shown in FIG. 2, the LCD panel 200A includes a liquid crystal layer 250 including a liquid crystal cell, a first glass layer 261 and a second glass layer 262 including electrodes at both ends of the liquid crystal layer 250, and The first polarizing layer 271 may be included on one surface of the first glass layer 261 and the second polarizing layer 272 may be included on one surface of the second glass layer 262 as a direction facing the liquid crystal layer 250. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the LCD panel may further include other configurations and can be modified to perform a display function.

    FIG. 2 a illustrates that the touch sensor panel 100 is disposed outside the display module 200 in the touch input device 1000. The touch surface for the touch input device 1000 may be the surface of the touch sensor panel 100. The surface of the touch sensor panel 100 that may be the touch surface in FIG. 2 a may be the upper surface of the touch sensor panel 100. In addition, according to the embodiment, a touch surface with respect to the touch input device 1000 may be an outer surface of the display module 200. An outer surface of the display module 200 that may be a touch surface in FIG. 2 a may be a lower surface of the second polarizing layer 272 of the display module 200. At this time, in order to protect the display module 200, the lower surface of the display module 200 may be covered with a cover layer (not shown) such as glass.

    2b and 2c show that the touch sensor panel 100 is arranged inside the display panel 200A in the touch input device 1000. FIG. At this time, in FIG. 2 b, the touch sensor panel 100 for detecting the touch position is disposed between the first glass layer 261 and the first polarizing layer 271. At this time, a touch surface with respect to the touch input device 1000 may be an outer surface of the display module 200 and may be an upper surface or a lower surface in FIG. FIG. 2C illustrates a case where the touch sensor panel 100 for detecting the touch position is implemented by being included in the liquid crystal layer 250. At this time, a touch surface with respect to the touch input device 1000 may be an outer surface of the display module 200 and may be an upper surface or a lower surface in FIG. 2b and 2c, the upper or lower surface of the display module 200, which may be a touch surface, may be covered with a cover layer (not shown) such as glass.

    In the above description, the presence / absence of touch and / or the position of the touch on the touch sensor panel 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention has been described. However, the presence / absence of touch using the touch sensor panel 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention is described. The magnitude of the touch pressure can be detected along with the position. Further, it is possible to further include a pressure detection module that detects the touch pressure separately from the touch sensor panel 100 to detect the magnitude of the touch pressure.

    FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a touch input device configured to detect a touch position and a touch pressure according to an embodiment of the present invention.

    In the touch input device 1000 including the display module 200, the touch sensor panel 100 and the pressure detection module 400 for detecting a touch position may be attached to the front surface of the display module 200. Thereby, the display screen of the display module 200 can be protected and the sensitivity of touch detection of the touch sensor panel 100 can be increased.

    At this time, the pressure detection module 400 can operate separately from the touch sensor panel 100 for detecting the touch position. For example, the pressure detection module 400 includes the touch sensor panel 100 for detecting the touch position. It may be configured to detect only pressure independently. Further, the pressure detection module 400 may be configured to detect the touch pressure in combination with the touch sensor panel 100 for detecting the touch position. For example, at least one of the drive electrode TX and the reception electrode RX included in the touch sensor panel 100 for detecting the touch position may be used to detect the touch pressure.

    In FIG. 3, the pressure detection module 400 exemplifies a case where the touch pressure can be detected by being combined with the touch sensor panel 100. In FIG. 3, the pressure detection module 400 includes a spacer layer 420 that separates the touch sensor panel 100 and the display module 200. The pressure detection module 400 may include a reference potential layer separated from the touch sensor panel 100 through the spacer layer 420. At this time, the display module 200 can function as a reference potential layer.

    The reference potential layer may have an arbitrary potential that causes a change in the capacitance 101 generated between the drive electrode TX and the reception electrode RX. For example, the reference potential layer may be a ground layer having a ground potential. The reference potential layer may be a ground layer of the display module 200. At this time, the reference potential layer may have a plane parallel to the two-dimensional plane of the touch sensor panel 100.

    As shown in FIG. 3, the touch sensor panel 100 and the display module 200 that is the reference potential layer are spaced apart. At this time, the spacer layer 420 between the touch sensor panel 100 and the display module 200 may be implemented with an air gap due to a difference in bonding method between the touch sensor panel 100 and the display module 200.

    At this time, in order to fix the touch sensor panel 100 and the display module 200, a double-sided adhesive tape 430 (DAT: Double Adhesive Tape) may be used. For example, the touch sensor panel 100 and the display module 200 have a form in which the respective areas are overlapped, and two layers are bonded via the double-sided adhesive tape 430 in each end region of the touch sensor panel 100 and the display module 200. However, the touch sensor panel 100 and the display module 200 may be separated by a predetermined distance d in the remaining area.

    In general, even when the touch surface is touched without bending the touch sensor panel 100, the capacitance 101: Cm between the drive electrode TX and the reception electrode RX changes. That is, when the touch sensor panel 100 is touched, the mutual capacitance Cm: 101 decreases compared to the basic mutual capacitance. This is because, when an object that is a conductor such as a finger comes close to the touch sensor panel 100, the object acts as a ground GND, and a fringing capacitance of mutual capacitance Cm: 101 is absorbed by the object. It is to be done. The basic mutual capacitance is a value of the mutual capacitance between the drive electrode TX and the reception electrode RX when there is no touch on the touch sensor panel 100.

    When pressure is applied when an upper surface, which is a touch surface of the touch sensor panel 100, is touched with an object, the touch sensor panel 100 may bend. At this time, the value of the mutual capacitance 101: Cm between the drive electrode TX and the reception electrode RX further decreases. This is because the fringing capacitance of the mutual capacitance 101: Cm is changed to the object when the touch sensor panel 100 is bent and the distance between the touch sensor panel 100 and the reference potential layer is decreased from d to d ′. This is because it is absorbed not only by the reference potential layer. When the touch object is a non-conductor, the change in the mutual capacitance Cm may be caused solely by the distance change d-d 'between the touch sensor panel 100 and the reference potential layer.

    As described in detail above, by configuring the touch input device 1000 including the touch sensor panel 100 and the pressure detection module 400 on the display module 200, not only the touch position but also the touch pressure can be detected simultaneously.

    However, as shown in FIG. 3, when not only the touch sensor panel 100 but also the pressure detection module 400 is arranged on the upper part of the display module 200, there is a problem that display characteristics of the display module are deteriorated. In particular, when the air gap 420 is included in the upper part of the display module 200, the visibility and light transmittance of the display module may be reduced.

    Accordingly, in order to prevent the occurrence of such a problem, an optical gap is not provided between the touch sensor panel 100 for detecting the touch position and the display module 200, and OCA (Optically Clear Adhesive). The touch sensor panel 100 and the display module 200 may be completely laminated with an adhesive.

    FIG. 4a is a cross-sectional view of a touch input device 1000 according to still another embodiment of the present invention. In the touch input device 1000 according to the present embodiment, the touch sensor panel 100 for detecting the touch position and the display module 200 are completely laminated with an adhesive. Accordingly, the color clarity, visibility, and light transmission of the display of the display module 200 that can be confirmed through the touch surface of the touch sensor panel 100 may be improved.

    4 to 7 and the description with reference thereto, as an example of the touch input device 1000 according to an embodiment of the present invention, the touch sensor panel 100 is adhered to the display module 200 by being laminated with an adhesive. The touch sensor panel 100 may be disposed inside the display module 200 as shown in FIGS. 2b and 2c. More specifically, FIGS. 4 to 7 illustrate that the touch sensor panel 100 covers the display module 200. However, the touch sensor panel 100 is located inside the display module 200, and the display module 200 is A touch input device 1000 covered with a cover layer such as glass may be used in an embodiment of the present invention.

    The touch input device 1000 according to the embodiment of the present invention is a mobile phone (cell phone), a PDA (Personal Data Assistant), a smartphone (smartphone), a tablet PC (tablet personal computer), an MP3 player, a notebook (notebook) or the like. An electronic device including a simple touch screen may be included.

    In the touch input device 1000 according to the embodiment of the present invention, a circuit board and / or a battery for the operation of the touch input device 1000 is located on the substrate 300 together with a cover 320 that is a mechanism that forms the outermost part of the touch input device 1000, for example. A housing function that covers the mounting space 310 may be performed. At this time, a central processing unit (CPU) or an application processor (AP) that is a central processing unit may be mounted on the circuit board for operating the touch input device 1000 as a main board. A circuit board and / or a battery for operating the display module 200 and the touch input device 1000 may be separated through the substrate 300, and electrical noise generated in the display module 200 may be blocked.

    In the touch input device 1000, the touch sensor panel 100 or the front cover layer may be formed wider than the display module 200, the substrate 300, and the mounting space 310, so that the cover 320 together with the touch sensor panel 100 may be formed. A cover 320 may be formed to cover 300 and the circuit board 310.

    The touch input device 1000 according to an embodiment of the present invention can detect a touch position through the touch sensor panel 100 and can detect the touch pressure by disposing the pressure detection module 400 between the display module 200 and the substrate 300. .

    The pressure detection module 400 includes, for example, a spacer layer 420 formed of an air gap, which will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 4B to 7B. The spacer layer 420 may be made of a shock absorbing material according to an embodiment. The spacer layer 420 may be filled with a dielectric material according to an embodiment.

    FIG. 4b is a perspective view of the touch input device 1000 according to an embodiment of the present invention. 4B, in the touch input device 1000 according to the embodiment of the present invention, the pressure detection module 400 includes a spacer layer 420 that separates the display module 200 and the substrate 300, and an electrode 450 that is positioned in the spacer layer 420. And 460 may be included. Hereinafter, the electrodes 450 and 460 for detecting pressure are referred to as pressure electrodes 450 and 460 so that the electrodes and the sections included in the touch sensor panel 100 are clear. At this time, since the pressure electrodes 450 and 460 are included in the rear surface that is not the front surface of the display panel, the pressure electrodes 450 and 460 may be formed of an opaque material as well as a transparent material.

    At this time, an adhesive tape 440 having a predetermined thickness may be formed along the upper edge of the substrate 300 in order to maintain the spacer layer 420. In FIG. 4b, the adhesive tape 440 is shown formed on all edges (for example, four sides of a square) of the substrate 300, but the adhesive tape 440 is at least a part of the edge of the substrate (for example, a square). 3 sides). According to the embodiment, the adhesive tape 440 may be formed on the upper surface of the substrate 300 or the lower surface of the display module 200. The adhesive tape 440 may be a conductive tape to make the substrate 300 and the display module 200 at the same potential. Further, the adhesive tape 440 may be a double-sided adhesive tape, and the adhesive tape 440 may be made of an inelastic material. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, when pressure is applied to the display module 200, the display module 200 may bend, so that the adhesive tape 440 detects the magnitude of the touch pressure even when the shape is not deformed by the pressure. Can do.

    FIG. 4c is a cross-sectional view of a touch input device including a pressure electrode pattern according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 4 c, in the touch input device 1000 according to an embodiment of the present invention, the pressure electrodes 450 and 460 may be formed on the substrate 300 as in the spacer layer 420.

    The pressure electrode for pressure detection may include a first electrode 450 and a second electrode 460. At this time, one of the first electrode 450 and the second electrode 460 may be a drive electrode, and the remaining one may be a reception electrode. A sensing signal can be acquired through the receiving electrode by applying a driving signal to the driving electrode. When a voltage is applied, a mutual capacitance may be generated between the first electrode 450 and the second electrode 460.

    FIG. 4D is a cross-sectional view when a pressure is applied to the touch input device 1000 illustrated in FIG. 4C. The lower surface of the display module 200 may have a ground potential for noise shielding. When pressure is applied to the surface of the touch sensor panel 100 through the object 500, the touch sensor panel 100 and the display module 200 may bend. As a result, the distance d between the ground potential surface and the pressure electrode patterns 450 and 460 is reduced to d '. In such a case, since the fringing capacitance is absorbed by the lower surface of the display module 200 due to the decrease in the distance d, the mutual capacitance between the first electrode 450 and the second electrode 460 decreases. Accordingly, it is possible to calculate the magnitude of the touch pressure by acquiring the reduction amount of the mutual capacitance in the sensing signal acquired through the receiving electrode.

    In the touch input device 1000 according to the embodiment of the present invention, the display module 200 may be bent or pressed by a touch applying pressure. The display module 200 may be flexed or pushed to show the greatest deformation at the touch location. When the display module 200 is bent or pressed according to the embodiment, the position showing the greatest deformation may not coincide with the touch position, but the display module 200 indicates that the display module 200 is bent or pressed at least at the touch position. be able to. For example, when the touch position is close to the edge or the edge of the display module 200, the position where the display module 200 is most bent or pushed may be different from the touch position, but the display module 200 is at least the touch position. It can be shown that it is deflected or pushed.

    At this time, the upper surface of the substrate 300 may also have a ground potential for noise shielding. Accordingly, the pressure electrodes 450 and 460 may be formed on the insulating layer 470 in order to prevent the substrate 300 and the pressure electrodes 450 and 460 from being short-circuited. FIG. 8 illustrates a pressure electrode attachment structure according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 8A, the pressure electrodes 450 and 460 may be configured by forming the pressure electrodes 450 and 460 after the first insulating layer 470 is positioned on the substrate 300. In addition, the first insulating layer 470 on which the pressure electrodes 450 and 460 are formed may be attached to the substrate 300 according to the embodiment. Further, according to the embodiment, the pressure electrode may be formed by conducting a conductive spray after positioning a mask having a through hole corresponding to the pressure electrode pattern on the substrate 300 or the first insulating layer 470 on the substrate 300. It may be formed by spraying.

    In addition, when the lower surface of the display module 200 has a ground potential, the pressure electrodes 450 and 460 may be added to prevent the short-circuit between the pressure electrodes 450 and 460 positioned on the substrate 300 and the display module 300. The pressure electrodes 450 and 460 can be covered with the two insulating layers 471. In addition, after the pressure electrodes 450 and 460 formed on the first insulating layer 470 are covered with the additional second insulating layer 471, the pressure detection module 400 can be formed by adhering to the substrate 300 in an integrated manner. .

    The attachment structure and method of the pressure electrodes 450 and 460 described with reference to FIG. 8A may be applied when the pressure electrodes 450 and 460 are attached to the display module 200. The case where the pressure electrodes 450, 460 adhere to the display module 200 will be described in more detail in connection with FIG. 4e.

    Further, depending on the type and / or implementation method of the touch input device 1000, the substrate 300 or the display module 200 to which the pressure electrodes 450 and 460 are attached may not show a ground potential or may show a weak ground potential. In this case, the touch input device 1000 according to the embodiment of the present invention may further include a ground electrode (not shown) between the substrate 300 or the display module 200 and the insulating layer 470. According to the embodiment, another insulating layer (not shown) may be further included between the ground electrode and the substrate 300 or the display module 200. At this time, the ground electrode (not shown) can prevent the capacitance generated between the first electrode 450 and the second electrode 460, which are pressure electrodes, from becoming very large. .

    The method for forming and attaching the pressure electrodes 450 and 460 described above can be similarly applied to the following embodiments.

    FIG. 4e is a cross-sectional view of a touch input device including a pressure electrode according to an embodiment of the present invention. Here, it is exemplified that the pressure electrodes 450 and 460 are formed on the substrate 300, but the pressure electrodes 450 and 460 may be formed on the lower surface of the display module 200. At this time, the substrate 300 may have a ground potential. Accordingly, by touching the touch surface of the touch sensor panel 100, the distance d between the substrate 300 and the pressure electrodes 450 and 460 is decreased, and as a result, the distance between the first electrode 450 and the second electrode 460 is decreased. A change in mutual capacitance can be caused.

    FIG. 4f illustrates the pressure electrode pattern. FIG. 4 f shows a case where the first electrode 450 and the second electrode 460 are formed on the substrate 300. The capacitance between the first electrode 450 and the second electrode 460 may vary depending on the distance between the lower surface of the display module 200 and the pressure electrodes 450 and 460.

    FIG. 4g illustrates yet another pressure electrode pattern. In FIG. 4 g, the pressure electrodes 450 and 460 are formed on the lower surface of the display module 200.

    4h and 4i illustrate pressure electrode patterns 450, 460 that can be applied to embodiments of the present invention. When the magnitude of the touch pressure is detected by changing the mutual capacitance between the first electrode 450 and the second electrode 460, a capacitance range necessary for increasing the detection accuracy is generated. Thus, it is necessary to form a pattern of the first electrode 450 and the second electrode 460. The larger the area where the first electrode 450 and the second electrode 460 face each other, or the longer the length, the greater the capacitance generated. Therefore, the size, length, shape, and the like of the facing area between the first electrode 450 and the second electrode 460 can be adjusted and designed according to the required capacitance range. In FIGS. 4h and 4i, the first electrode 450 and the second electrode 460 are formed in the same layer, and the length of the first electrode 450 and the second electrode 460 facing each other is relatively long. The case where a pressure electrode is formed is illustrated.

    In the above description, the first electrode 450 and the second electrode 460 are shown as being formed in the same layer, but the first electrode 450 and the second electrode 460 may be implemented in different layers according to the embodiment. It does not matter. FIG. 8B illustrates an attachment structure when the first electrode 450 and the second electrode 460 are embodied in different layers. As illustrated in FIG. 8B, the first electrode 450 is formed on the first insulating layer 470, and the second electrode 460 is formed on the second insulating layer 471 located on the first electrode 450. Also good. According to the embodiment, the second electrode 460 may be covered with a third insulating layer 472. At this time, since the first electrode 450 and the second electrode 460 are located in different layers, the first electrode 450 and the second electrode 460 may be overlapped with each other. For example, the first electrode 450 and the second electrode 460 are similar to the patterns of the driving electrode TX and the receiving electrode RX arranged in the MXN structure included in the touch sensor panel 100 described with reference to FIG. It may be formed as follows. At this time, M and N may be one or more natural numbers.

    In the touch input device 1000 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, it is described that the touch pressure is detected from a change in mutual capacitance between the first electrode 450 and the second electrode 460. Only one pressure electrode of the first electrode 450 and the second electrode 460 may be included, and in such a case, between one pressure electrode and the ground layer (the display module 200 or the substrate 300). It is also possible to detect the magnitude of the touch pressure by detecting the change in the electrostatic capacity.

    For example, in FIG. 4c, the pressure electrode may be configured to include only the first electrode 450, and at this time, the first electrode 450 and the display module caused by a change in the distance between the display module 200 and the first electrode 450. The magnitude of the touch pressure can be detected from the change in capacitance with the 200. Since the distance d decreases as the touch pressure increases, the capacitance between the display module 200 and the first electrode 450 may increase as the touch pressure increases. This may be applied to the embodiment associated with FIG. 4e as well. At this time, the pressure electrode does not need to have a comb shape or a fork shape, which is necessary for increasing the detection accuracy of the change amount of the mutual capacitance, and as illustrated in FIG. ) May have a shape.

    FIG. 8C illustrates an attachment structure when the pressure electrode is implemented to include only the first electrode 450. As illustrated in FIG. 8C, the first electrode 450 may be formed on the first insulating layer 470 located on the substrate 300 or the display module 200. In addition, the first electrode 450 may be covered with the second insulating layer 471 according to the embodiment.

    FIG. 5a is a cross-sectional view of a touch input device including a pressure electrode according to an embodiment of the present invention. The pressure electrodes 450 and 460 according to an embodiment of the present invention may be formed on the upper surface of the substrate 300 and the lower surface of the display module 200 as the spacer layer 420.

    The pressure electrode pattern for pressure detection may include a first electrode 450 and a second electrode 460. At this time, any one of the first electrode 450 and the second electrode 460 may be formed on the substrate 300 and the remaining one may be formed on the lower surface of the display module 200. FIG. 5 a illustrates that the first electrode 450 is formed on the substrate 300 and the second electrode 460 is formed on the lower surface of the display module 200.

    When pressure is applied to the surface of the touch sensor panel 100 through the object 500, the touch sensor panel 100 and the display module 200 may bend. Thereby, the distance d between the first electrode 450 and the second electrode 460 decreases. In such a case, the mutual capacitance between the first electrode 450 and the second electrode 460 increases as the distance d decreases. Therefore, the magnitude of the touch pressure can be calculated by acquiring the amount of increase in mutual capacitance from the sensing signal acquired through the receiving electrode.

    FIG. 5b illustrates a pressure electrode pattern according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 b shows that the first electrode 450 is formed on the upper surface of the substrate 300 and the second electrode 460 is formed on the lower surface of the display module 200. As shown in FIG. 5b, since the first electrode 450 and the second electrode 460 are formed in different layers, unlike the above embodiment, the first electrode 450 and the second electrode 460 have a comb shape. Or it is not necessary to have a fork shape, and you may have a plate shape (for example, square plate shape).

    FIG. 8D illustrates an attachment structure when the first electrode 450 is attached on the substrate 300 and the second electrode 460 is attached to the display module 200. As illustrated in FIG. 8D, the first electrode 450 is located on the first insulating layer 470-2 formed on the substrate 300, and the first electrode 450 is formed by the second insulating layer 471-2. It may be covered. The second electrode 460 may be positioned on the first insulating layer 470-1 formed on the lower surface of the display module 200, and the second electrode 460 may be covered with the second insulating layer 471-1.

    Similar to that described in connection with FIG. 8A, when the substrate 300 or the display module 200 to which the pressure electrodes 450 and 460 are attached does not show a ground potential or shows a weak ground potential, FIG. In FIGS. 8A to 8D, a ground electrode (not shown) may be further included between the first insulating layers 470, 470-1, and 470-2. At this time, an additional insulating layer (not shown) may be further included between the ground electrode (not shown) and the substrate 300 or the display module 200 to which the pressure electrodes 450 and 460 are attached.

    As described above in detail, the touch input device 1000 according to the embodiment of the present invention senses a change in capacitance generated at the pressure electrodes 450 and 460. Therefore, a drive signal needs to be applied to the drive electrode of the first electrode 450 and the second electrode 460, and the touch pressure cannot be calculated from the change in capacitance by obtaining a sensing signal from the reception electrode. Don't be. According to the embodiment, a touch sensing IC for the operation of the pressure detection module 400 may be additionally included.

    Hereinafter, a touch input device 1000 according to still another embodiment will be described, focusing on differences from FIGS. 4a to 5b. In the touch input device 1000 according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an air gap existing inside or outside the display module 200 and / or without forming a separate spacer layer and / or a reference potential layer, and / or Alternatively, the potential pressure can be used to detect touch pressure, which will be discussed in detail with reference to FIGS. 6a-7b.

    FIG. 6a is a cross-sectional view of a touch input device according to still another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6b is an exemplary cross-sectional view of a display module 200 that may be included in the touch input device 1000 according to still another embodiment of the present invention.

    In FIG. 6 b, an LCD module is illustrated as the display module 200. As shown in FIG. 6b, the LCD module 200 may include an LCD panel 200A and a backlight unit 200B. The LCD panel 200A cannot emit light itself, but performs a function of blocking or transmitting light. Accordingly, a light source is positioned below the LCD panel 200A to illuminate the LCD panel 200A, and information having various colors as well as brightness and darkness is expressed on the screen. Since the LCD panel 200A cannot emit light as a passive element, a light source having a uniform luminance distribution on the rear surface is required. The structures and functions of the LCD panel 200A and the backlight unit 200B are publicly-known technologies and will be briefly described below.

    The backlight unit 200B for the LCD panel 200A may include several optical parts. In FIG. 6b, the backlight unit 200B may include a light diffusion and light enhancement sheet 231, a light guide plate 232, and a reflection plate 240. At this time, the backlight unit 200B includes a light source (not shown) disposed on the rear surface and / or side surface of the light guide plate 232 in the form of a linear light source or a point light source. But you can. According to the embodiment, a support part 233 may be further included at the end of the light guide plate 232 and the light diffusion and light enhancement sheet 231.

    The light guide plate 232 serves to convert light from a light source (not shown) generally in the form of a line light source or a point light source into a form of a surface light source toward the LCD panel 200A. can do.

    A part of the light emitted from the light guide plate 232 may be emitted to the opposite surface of the LCD panel 200A and lost. The reflection plate 240 may be formed of a material having a high reflectance and located under the light guide plate 232 so that the lost light can be incident on the light guide plate 232 again.

    The light diffusion and light enhancement sheet 231 may include a diffuser sheet and / or a prism sheet. The diffusion sheet serves to diffuse light incident from the light guide plate 232. For example, since the light scattered by the pattern of the light guide plate 232 directly enters the eyes, the pattern of the light guide plate 232 is reflected as it is. In addition, since such a pattern can be clearly sensed even after the LCD panel 200A is mounted, the diffusion sheet can perform the role of canceling the pattern of the light guide plate 232.

    After passing through the diffusion sheet, the brightness of the light drops sharply. Therefore, a prism sheet may be included so as to focus the light again and improve the brightness of the light. The backlight unit 200B may include a configuration different from the above-described configuration according to technology changes, developments, and / or embodiments, and may further include an additional configuration other than the above-described configuration. In addition, the backlight unit 200B according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a protection sheet (protection sheet) of a prism sheet in order to protect the optical configuration of the backlight unit 200B from, for example, external impact or contamination due to inflow of foreign matter. It may be further included in the upper part. Further, the backlight unit 200B may further include a lamp cover according to an embodiment to minimize light loss from the light source. In addition, the backlight unit 200B is configured such that the light guide plate 232, the sheet 231 and the lamp (not shown), which are the main components of the backlight unit 200B, can be accurately separated and assembled so as to meet the allowable dimensions. It may further include a frame for maintaining the above. Each of the above-described configurations may be composed of two or more separate parts. For example, the prism sheet may be composed of two prism sheets.

    At this time, the first air gap 220-2 may exist between the light guide plate 232 and the reflection plate 240. Accordingly, the loss light from the light guide plate 232 to the reflection plate 240 may be incident again on the light guide plate 232 through the reflection plate 240. At this time, a double-sided adhesive tape 221-2 may be included at the end between the light guide plate 232 and the reflection plate 240 so that the air gap 220-2 can be maintained.

    Further, according to the embodiment, the backlight unit 200B may be positioned with the LCD panel 200A and the second air gap 220-1 interposed therebetween. This is to prevent the impact from the LCD panel 200A from being transmitted to the backlight unit 200B. At this time, a double-sided adhesive tape 221-1 may be included at the end between the backlight unit 200B and the LCD panel 200A so that the air gap 220-1 can be maintained.

    As described in detail above, the display module 200 may include an air gap such as the first air gap 220-2 and / or the second air gap 220-1. Alternatively, an air gap may be included between the plurality of layers of the light diffusion and light enhancement sheet 231. In the above, the case of the LCD module has been described, but an air gap may be included in the structure also in the case of other display modules.

    Accordingly, the touch input device 1000 according to an embodiment of the present invention can use an air gap that already exists in or out of the display module 200 without manufacturing a separate spacer layer for pressure detection. . The air gap used as the spacer layer may be any air gap included in the display module 200 as well as the first air gap 220-2 and / or the second air gap 220-1 described with reference to FIG. It may be. Alternatively, an air gap included outside the display module 200 may be used. In this manner, manufacturing the touch input device 1000 capable of detecting pressure can reduce manufacturing costs and / or simplify the manufacturing process.

    FIG. 7a is a perspective view of a touch input device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Unlike the touch input device 1000 illustrated in FIGS. 4 a and 4 b, the touch input device 1000 illustrated in FIGS. 6 a and 7 a may not include the adhesive tape 440 for maintaining the air gap 420.

    FIG. 7b is a cross-sectional view of a touch input device including a pressure electrode pattern according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 7 b, the pressure electrodes 450 and 460 may be formed on the substrate 300 as between the display module 200 and the substrate 300. 7B to 7G, the thickness of the pressure electrodes 450 and 460 is exaggerated for convenience. However, since the pressure electrodes 450 and 460 may be implemented in a sheet shape, the thickness of the pressure electrodes 450 and 460 may be reduced. May be very small. Similarly, the spacing between the display module 200 and the substrate 300 is also shown exaggerated and broadly, but the spacing between the two may also be implemented to have a very small spacing. 7b and 7c, the pressure electrodes 450 and 460 and the display module 200 are shown to be separated from each other in order to show that the pressure electrodes 450 and 460 are formed on the substrate 300. It is for description and may be implemented so as not to be separated from each other.

    At this time, in FIG. 7 b, the display module 200 is shown to include a spacer layer 220 and a reference potential layer 270. The spacer layer 220 may be a first air gap 220-2 and / or a second air gap 220-1 included in manufacturing the display module 200, as described with reference to FIG. 6b. When the display module 200 includes a single air gap, the single air gap can perform the function of the spacer layer 220. When the display module 200 includes a plurality of air gaps, the plurality of air gaps The function of the spacer layer 220 can be performed in an integrated manner. 7b, 7c, 7f and 7g are shown functionally including one spacer layer 220. FIG.

    The touch input device 1000 according to the embodiment of the present invention may include a reference potential layer 270 above the spacer layer 220 as the display module 200 in FIGS. 2A to 2C. The reference potential layer 270 may also be a ground potential layer that is uniquely included when the display module 200 is manufactured. For example, in the display panel 200A shown in FIGS. 2A to 2C, an electrode (not shown) for noise shielding may be included between the first polarizing layer 271 and the first glass layer 261. The shielding electrode may be made of ITO and can serve as a ground. Such a reference potential layer 270 may be positioned inside the display module 200 at any location where the spacer layer 220 is positioned between the reference potential layer 270 and the pressure electrodes 450 and 460. An electrode having any potential other than the shielding electrode exemplified above may be used as the reference potential layer 270. For example, the reference potential layer 270 may be a common electrode potential (Vcom) layer of the display module 200.

    In particular, as part of an effort to reduce the thickness of the device including the touch input device 1000, the display module 200 may not be configured to be covered through another cover or frame. In such a case, the lower surface of the display module 200 facing the substrate 300 may be a reflector 240 and / or a nonconductor. In such a case, the lower surface of the display module 200 cannot have a ground potential. As described above, even when the lower surface of the display module 200 cannot function as a reference potential layer, if the touch input device 1000 according to the embodiment of the present invention is used, an arbitrary potential layer positioned inside the display module 200 is used as a reference potential layer. 270 can be used to detect pressure.

    FIG. 7c is a cross-sectional view when pressure is applied to the touch input device 1000 illustrated in FIG. 7b. When pressure is applied to the surface of the touch sensor panel 100 through the object 500, the touch sensor panel 100 and the display module 200 may be bent or pressed. At this time, the distance d between the reference potential layer 270 and the pressure electrode patterns 450 and 460 is reduced to d ′ by the spacer layer 220 located in the display module 200. In such a case, since the fringing capacitance is absorbed by the reference potential layer 270 due to the decrease in the distance d, the mutual capacitance between the first electrode 450 and the second electrode 460 decreases. Accordingly, it is possible to calculate the magnitude of the touch pressure by acquiring the reduction amount of the mutual capacitance in the sensing signal acquired through the receiving electrode.

    At this time, when the magnitude of the touch pressure is sufficiently large, the distance between the reference potential layer 270 and the pressure electrode patterns 450 and 460 at a predetermined position may not reach further. Hereinafter, such a state is referred to as a saturated state. However, even in such a case, when the magnitude of the touch pressure is further increased, the saturated area in which the distance between the reference potential layer 270 and the pressure electrode patterns 450 and 460 cannot be further approached can be increased. . As such an area increases, the mutual capacitance between the first electrode 450 and the second electrode 460 decreases. In the following, it is explained that the magnitude of the touch pressure is calculated according to the change in the capacitance according to the change in the distance. May be included.

    At this time, when the display module 200 is bent or pressed when the touch input device 1000 is touched, a layer (eg, a reflector) positioned below the spacer layer 220 by the spacer layer 220 as shown in FIG. 7c. ) Or is not pushed or reduced. In FIG. 7c, the bottom of the display module 200 is shown as not being bent or pushed at all, but this is only an example, and the bottom of the display module 200 may be bent or pushed. However, the degree can be relaxed through the spacer layer 220.

    FIG. 7d is a cross-sectional view of a touch input device including a pressure electrode pattern according to a modification of the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 d illustrates a case where the spacer layer 420 is located between the display module 200 and the substrate 300. When the touch input device 1000 including the display module 200 is manufactured, an air gap 420 may be generated because the display module 200 and the substrate 300 are not completely attached. Here, by using the air gap 420 as a spacer layer for detecting the touch pressure, it is possible to save time and cost for producing the spacer layer for detecting the touch pressure. 7d and 7e show that the air gap 220 used as a spacer layer is not located inside the display module 200. However, in FIGS. 7d and 7e, the air gap 220 is additionally shown in the display module 200. It may also be included if included.

    FIG. 7e is a cross-sectional view when pressure is applied to the touch input device shown in FIG. 7d. Similar to FIG. 7 c, the display module 200 may be bent or pressed when the touch input device 1000 is touched. At this time, the distance d between the reference potential layer 270 and the pressure electrode patterns 450 and 460 is reduced to d ′ by the spacer layer 220 positioned between the reference potential layer 270 and the pressure electrodes 450 and 460. In such a case, the fringing capacitance is absorbed by the reference potential layer 270 due to the decrease in the distance d, so that the mutual capacitance between the first electrode 450 and the second electrode 460 decreases. Therefore, the magnitude of the touch pressure can be calculated by acquiring the decrease amount of the mutual capacitance from the sensing signal acquired through the receiving electrode.

    FIG. 7f is a cross-sectional view of a touch input device including a pressure electrode according to an embodiment of the present invention. 7B to 7E, the pressure electrodes 450 and 460 are formed on the substrate 300. However, the pressure electrodes 450 and 460 may be formed on the lower surface of the display module 200. By touching the touch surface of the touch sensor panel 100, the distance d between the reference potential layer 270 and the pressure electrodes 450 and 460 is decreased, and as a result, the mutual relationship between the first electrode 450 and the second electrode 460 is reduced. Capacitance changes can be caused. In FIG. 7f, the pressure electrodes 450 and 460 and the substrate 300 are shown to be separated from each other in order to explain that the pressure electrodes 450 and 460 are attached on the display module 200. Therefore, the two may be configured not to be separated from each other. Of course, the display module 200 and the substrate 300 may be separated by an air gap 420 as in FIGS. 7d and 7e.

    FIG. 7g is a cross-sectional view of a touch input device including a pressure electrode according to an embodiment of the present invention. The pressure electrodes 450 and 460 according to the embodiment of the present invention may be formed on the upper surface of the substrate 300 and the lower surface of the display module 200.

    The pressure electrode pattern for pressure detection may include a first electrode 450 and a second electrode 460. At this time, any one of the first electrode 450 and the second electrode 460 may be formed on the substrate 300 and the remaining one may be formed on the lower surface of the display module 200. FIG. 7 g illustrates that the first electrode 450 is formed on the substrate 300 and the second electrode 460 is formed on the lower surface of the display module 200. In FIG. 7g, the first electrode 450 and the second electrode 460 are shown to be separated from each other, but this is simply that the first electrode 450 is formed on the substrate 300, and the second electrode 460 is the display module 200. The two are separated by an air gap, an insulating material is located between the two, or the first electrode 450 and the second electrode 460 are separated from each other. In order not to overlap each other, for example, it may be formed so as to be shifted laterally as in the case of being formed in the same layer.

    When pressure is applied to the surface of the touch sensor panel 100 through the object 500, the touch sensor panel 100 and the display module 200 are bent or pushed. As a result, the distance d between the first electrode 450 and the second electrode 460 and the reference potential layer 270 decreases. In such a case, the mutual capacitance between the first electrode 450 and the second electrode 460 decreases as the distance d decreases. Accordingly, it is possible to calculate the magnitude of the touch pressure by acquiring the reduction amount of the mutual capacitance in the sensing signal acquired through the receiving electrode.

    FIG. 7h illustrates a pressure electrode pattern according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 h shows that the first electrode 450 is formed on the upper surface of the substrate 300 and the second electrode 460 is formed on the lower surface of the display module 200. As shown in FIG. 7h, the first electrode 450 and the second electrode 460 may be disposed so as to be orthogonal to each other, so that the sensing sensitivity of the amount of change in capacitance can be improved.

    Hereinafter, various embodiments of the configuration of the touch input device 1000 according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 to 14.

<First Embodiment>
The touch input device 1000 according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes a touch sensor panel 100, a pressure detection module 400, a position sensing controller 500, a pressure sensing controller 600, a converter 650, and a processor 700.

    In the first embodiment, the touch input device 1000 includes a position sensing controller 500 that senses a touch position from the touch sensor panel 100 in a configuration different from the converter 650 and the pressure sensing controller 600.

    That is, the touch position detection from the touch sensor panel 100 and the touch pressure detection from the pressure detection module 400 are separately performed in the separate configurations, that is, the position sensing controller 500 and the pressure sensing controller 600.

    Meanwhile, the separately provided converter 650 is an ADC (Analog-to-Digital Converter) having a function of converting the sensing signal Rx received from the pressure detection module 400 into a digital signal, and the signal converted by the converter 650 is a pressure. The pressure sensing controller 600 detects the touch pressure based on the digital signal.

    In the first embodiment, the touch position detection from the touch sensor panel 100 and the touch pressure detection method from the pressure detection module 400 have been described in detail with reference to FIG. 1 to FIG. To.

    The position sensing controller 500 applies the drive signal Tx to the drive electrodes of the touch sensor panel 100 and acquires the sense signal Rx from the reception electrodes. Here, the sensing signal Rx is a signal obtained by coupling the driving signal Tx applied to the driving electrode of the touch sensor panel 100 by the capacitance generated between the driving electrode and the receiving electrode. The position sensing controller 500 may include a converter for converting the sensing signal Rx into a digital signal.

    In addition, the position sensing controller 500 may further include one or more integrators (not shown), and the sensing signal Rx may be integrated by the integrator and converted to a digital signal through an internal converter.

    The pressure sensing controller 600 applies the drive signal Tx-p to the drive electrode in the pressure detection module 400, acquires the decrease in mutual capacitance in the sense signal Rx-p acquired through the reception electrode, and generates the touch pressure. Sense. At this time, the pressure sensing controller 600 is provided separately from the converter 650 in the touch input device 1000 according to the first embodiment. As described above, based on the sensing signal Rx-p converted into a digital signal by the converter 650, the pressure sensing controller 600 generates touch pressure data.

    On the other hand, the touch position data detected by the position sensing controller 500 and the touch pressure data detected by the pressure sensing controller 600 are transmitted to the processor 700. The processor 700 controls the operation of the touch input device 1000 while using the touch position data and the touch pressure data as information on the touch position and the touch pressure.

    When the converter 650 is implemented with a different configuration as in the first embodiment, the converter 650 for implementing the touch input device 1000 having a desired specification can be selectively applied. In particular, when a high-performance converter (high performance ADC) is used, a high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) can be obtained, so that the performance of the touch input device 1000 can be improved.

Second Embodiment
The touch input device 1000 according to the second embodiment of the present invention includes a touch sensor panel 100, a pressure detection module 400, a position sensing controller 500, a converter 650, and a processor 701.

    The touch input device 1000 according to the second embodiment includes a configuration (function) of a pressure sensing controller in which the processor 701 senses a touch pressure from the pressure detection module 400.

    At this time, the operation method of the position sensing controller 500 that detects the touch position from the touch sensor panel 100 is the same as described above. That is, the position sensing controller 500 applies the drive signal Tx to the drive electrode of the touch sensor panel 100 and detects the touch position based on the sensing signal Rx acquired from the reception electrode. At this time, the position sensing controller 500 may include a converter for converting the sensing signal Rx into a digital signal.

    In addition, the position sensing controller 500 may further include one or more integrators (not shown), and the sensing signal Rx may be integrated by the integrator and converted to a digital signal through an internal converter.

    In the second embodiment, the processor 701 applies the drive signal Tx-p to the drive electrode provided in the pressure detection module 400, and acquires the sense signal Rx-p through the reception electrode. At this time, the sensing signal Rx-p is converted into a digital signal through a converter 650 provided separately, and the signal converted by the converter 650 is transmitted to the processor 701. The processor 701 generates touch pressure data based on the sensing signal Rx-p converted into a digital signal.

    As described above, in the touch input device 1000 according to the second embodiment, the touch position detection is performed by the position sensing controller 500, and the touch pressure detection is performed by the processor 701.

At this time, the processor 701 that performs the touch pressure detection is implemented separately from the converter 650 that converts the sensing signal Rx-p from the pressure detection module 400 into a digital signal.

    The processor 701 uses the touch pressure data generated based on the signal transmitted from another converter 650 and the touch position data transmitted from the position sensing controller 500 to use the touch position data as information on the touch position and the touch pressure. The operation of the input device 1000 is controlled.

    Also in the second embodiment, since the converter 650 is implemented with another configuration, the converter 650 for implementing the touch input device 1000 having a desired specification can be selectively applied. When a high performance ADC is used, a high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) can be obtained, so that the performance of the touch input device 1000 can be improved as described above.

    Furthermore, in the second embodiment, since the processor 701 performs the function of the pressure sensing controller 600 of the first embodiment, the configuration of the pressure sensing controller 600 is not necessary, and as a result, the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

<Third Embodiment>
The touch input device 1000 according to the third embodiment of the present invention includes a touch sensor panel 100, a pressure detection module 400, a touch controller 510, a converter 650, and a processor 700.

    In the touch input device 1000 according to the third embodiment, the touch position and the touch pressure detection are controlled by the touch controller 510.

    That is, in detecting the touch position, the touch controller 510 applies the drive signal Tx to the drive electrode of the touch sensor panel 100 and acquires the sensing signal Rx from the reception electrode. Here, the sensing signal Rx is a signal obtained by coupling the driving signal Tx applied to the driving electrode of the touch sensor panel 100 by the capacitance generated between the driving electrode and the receiving electrode. At this time, the touch controller 510 may include a converter for converting the sensing signal Rx into a digital signal.

    In addition, the touch controller 510 may further include one or more integrators (not shown), and the sensing signal Rx may be integrated by the integrator and converted into a digital signal through an internal converter.

    Further, the touch controller 510 has a touch pressure detection function. That is, the touch controller 510 applies the drive signal Tx-p to the drive electrode in the pressure detection module 400, and acquires the sense signal Rx-p through the reception electrode.

    However, in detecting the touch pressure, the sense signal Rx-p from the pressure detection module 400 is converted into a digital signal by a converter 650 provided separately from the touch controller 510. The signal converted by the converter 650 is transmitted to the touch controller 510 to generate touch pressure data.

    The touch controller 510 transmits touch position data and touch pressure data to the processor 700, and the processor 700 controls the operation of the touch input device 1000 based on the touch position data and touch pressure data.

    Also in the third embodiment, since the converter 650 is implemented with another configuration, the converter 650 for implementing the touch input device 1000 having a desired specification can be selectively applied. When a high performance ADC is used, a high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) can be obtained, so that the performance of the touch input device 1000 can be improved as described above.

    Furthermore, in the third embodiment, since the position sensing controller 500 and the pressure sensing controller 600 of the first embodiment are implemented with one configuration (touch controller 510), manufacturing costs can be reduced. In addition, since the sensing signal Rx for sensing the touch position and the sensing signal Rx-p for sensing the touch pressure are processed in one configuration (touch controller 510), information on the touch position and the touch pressure is obtained. By using it at the same time, it is possible to obtain more accurate data in real time.

<Fourth embodiment>
The touch input device 1000 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention includes a touch sensor panel 100, a pressure detection module 400, a position sensing controller 500, a pressure sensing controller 601, and a processor 700.

    In the touch input device 1000 according to the third embodiment, the pressure sensing controller 601 includes a converter configuration for converting the sensing signal Rx-p acquired from the pressure detection module 400 into a digital signal when detecting the touch pressure. Yes.

    The position sensing controller 500 applies a driving signal Tx to the driving electrodes of the touch sensor panel 100, acquires the sensing signal Rx from the receiving electrodes, and generates touch position data.

    Further, the position sensing controller 500 may include one or more integrators (not shown) and a converter (not shown), and the sensing signal Rx is integrated by the integrator and converted into a digital signal through the converter. Converted. The position sensing controller 500 generates touch position data based on the signal.

    On the other hand, the pressure sensing controller 601 applies the drive signal Tx-p to the drive electrode in the pressure detection module 400, and acquires the sense signal Rx-p through the reception electrode. At this time, the pressure sensing controller 601 receives the sensing signal Rx-p through the receiving electrode and converts the sensing signal Rx-p into a digital signal using a converter 650 provided therein. Based on the converted signal, the pressure sensing controller 601 generates touch pressure data.

    Touch position data and touch pressure data generated by the position sensing controller 500 and the pressure sensing controller 601 are transmitted to the processor 700. The processor 700 controls the operation of the touch input device 1000 based on the transmitted data.

    In the fourth embodiment, the pressure sensing controller 601 includes a converter function. Unlike the first to third embodiments, this is effective when a high SNR is not required. That is, since a converter built in the pressure sensing controller 601 that is not another converter is used, the manufacturing cost can be reduced. That is, the fourth embodiment has a configuration that can be used most efficiently when it is desired to reduce the manufacturing cost without requiring a high SNR.

<Fifth Embodiment>
The touch input device 1000 according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention includes a touch sensor panel 100, a pressure detection module 400, a position sensing controller 500, and a processor 702.

    In the touch input device 1000 according to the second embodiment, the processor 702 not only controls the operation of the touch input device 1000 but also has a function of sensing the touch pressure from the pressure detection module 400.

    The operation method of the position sensing controller 500 that detects the touch position from the touch sensor panel 100 is the same as described above. The position sensing controller 500 applies a drive signal Tx to the drive electrodes of the touch sensor panel 100 and detects a touch position based on the sensing signal Rx acquired from the reception electrodes.

    Further, the position sensing controller 500 may include one or more integrators (not shown) and a converter (not shown), and the sensing signal Rx is integrated by the integrator and converted into a digital signal through the converter. Converted. The position sensing controller 500 generates touch position data based on the signal.

    In the fifth embodiment, the processor 702 applies the driving signal Tx-p to the driving electrode provided in the pressure detection module 400, and acquires the sensing signal Rx-p through the receiving electrode. At this time, the processor 702 includes a converter therein, converts the received sensing signal Rx-p into a digital signal, and generates touch pressure data based on the converted signal.

    Based on the touch pressure data generated by the processor 702 and the touch position data generated by the position sensing controller 500, the processor 702 controls the operation of the touch input device 1000.

    In the fifth embodiment, the processor 702 includes a converter function. This is effective when a high SNR is not required, as in the fourth embodiment. In other words, since a converter built in the processor 702, which is not another converter, is used, the manufacturing cost can be reduced. That is, the fifth embodiment has a configuration that can be used most efficiently when it is desired to reduce the manufacturing cost without requiring a high SNR.

<Sixth Embodiment>
The touch input device 1000 according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention includes a touch sensor panel 100, a pressure detection module 400, a touch controller 520, and a processor 700.

    In the touch input device 1000 according to the sixth embodiment, the touch position and the touch pressure detection are controlled by the touch controller 520.

    That is, the touch controller 520 applies the drive signal Tx to the drive electrode of the touch sensor panel 100 and acquires the sensing signal Rx from the reception electrode. Here, the sensing signal Rx is a signal obtained by coupling the driving signal Tx applied to the driving electrode of the touch sensor panel 100 by the capacitance generated between the driving electrode and the receiving electrode.

    Further, the touch controller 520 may include two or more integrators (not shown) and two or more converters (not shown), and the sensing signal Rx is integrated by at least one integrator. And converted into a digital signal through at least one converter. The touch controller 500 generates touch position data based on the signal.

    Further, the touch controller 520 applies the drive signal Tx-p to the drive electrode in the pressure detection module 400, and acquires the sense signal Rx-p through the reception electrode. At this time, the sensing signal Rx-p is converted into a digital signal through at least one converter provided in the touch controller 520, and the touch controller 520 generates touch pressure data based on the converted digital signal.

    The touch controller 520 transmits touch position data and touch pressure data to the processor 700. The processor 700 controls the operation of the touch input device 1000 based on the transmitted data.

    In the sixth embodiment, since the position sensing controller 500 and the pressure sensing controller 600 of the first embodiment are implemented with one configuration (touch controller 520), the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

    In the sixth embodiment, the touch controller 520 includes a converter function. This is effective when a high SNR is not required. In other words, since the converter built in the touch controller 520, which is not another converter, is used, there is an effect that the manufacturing cost can be reduced. The sixth embodiment also has a configuration that can be used most efficiently when it is desired to reduce the manufacturing cost without requiring a high SNR.

    Furthermore, since the sixth embodiment processes the sensing signal Rx for sensing the touch position and the sensing signal Rx-p for sensing the touch pressure with one configuration (touch controller 520), the touch position and the touch are processed. By using pressure information at the same time, it is possible to obtain more accurate data in real time.

    Meanwhile, in the above description related to the first to sixth embodiments and FIGS. 9 to 14, the movement of the driving signals Tx and Tx-p and the sensing signals Rx and Rx-p is performed through a plurality of lines. Although described and illustrated, this is merely for convenience of explanation, and two or more signals among Tx, Tx-p, Rx, and Rx-p signals may be formed through one line. The good will be obvious to those skilled in the art.

    The features, structures, effects, and the like described in the above embodiments are included in one embodiment of the present invention and are not necessarily limited to only one embodiment, and are further exemplified in each embodiment. Features, structures, effects, and the like can be implemented by combining or modifying other embodiments by those having ordinary knowledge in the field to which the embodiments belong. Accordingly, contents related to such combinations and modifications should be construed as being included in the scope of the present invention.

    In the above description, the embodiment has been mainly described. However, this is merely an example, and does not limit the present invention. Any person having ordinary knowledge in the field to which the present invention belongs will be described. It should be understood that various modifications and applications not exemplified above are possible without departing from the essential characteristics of the above. For example, each component specifically shown in the embodiment can be modified and implemented. Such differences in modification and application should be construed as being included in the scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims.

1000 Touch Input Device 100 Touch Sensor Panel 400 Pressure Detection Module 500 Position Sensing Controller 600 Pressure Sensing Controller 650 Converter 700 Processor

Claims (18)

A cover layer;
At least a part of a touch sensor that is located under the cover layer and includes a liquid crystal layer and a first glass layer and a second glass layer located between the liquid crystal layers and senses a touch in a capacitive manner is the first sensor. An LCD panel positioned between one glass layer and a second glass layer;
A backlight unit located at the bottom of the LCD panel;
A pressure electrode located at the bottom of the backlight unit;
A shielding member located below the pressure electrode;
A first converter that converts a signal with respect to an amount of change in capacitance output from the pressure electrode into a digital signal;
A second converter that obtains a sensing signal output from the touch sensor via an integrator or an amplifier and converts it into a digital signal;
The touch position can be detected from the digital signal converted by the second converter ,
The magnitude of the touch pressure can be detected from the digital signal converted by the first converter ,
A reference potential layer is located inside a display module including the LCD panel and the backlight unit, and the amount of change in the capacitance varies depending on the distance between the pressure electrode and the reference potential layer.
smartphone.     The smartphone according to claim 1, wherein the at least part of the touch sensor located between the first glass layer and the second glass layer is at least one of the drive electrode and the reception electrode. .     The LCD panel further includes a first polarizing layer and a second polarizing layer located between the first glass layer, the liquid crystal layer, and the second glass layer, and the remaining portions excluding the at least part of the touch sensor. The smartphone according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a part of is located between the first glass layer and the first polarizing layer.     The smartphone according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a spacer layer positioned between the pressure electrode and the reference potential layer.     The smartphone according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the pressure electrode includes a plurality of electrodes constituting a plurality of channels. The smartphone according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein a distance between the pressure electrode and the reference potential layer is changed by bending of the display module due to the touch. A cover layer;
At least a part of a touch sensor that is located under the cover layer and includes a liquid crystal layer and a first glass layer and a second glass layer located between the liquid crystal layers and senses a touch in a capacitive manner, An LCD panel positioned between the first glass layer and the second glass layer;
A backlight unit located under the LCD panel and including a light source and a reflector;
A pressure electrode located at the bottom of the backlight unit;
A shielding member located below the pressure electrode;
A first converter that converts a signal with respect to an amount of change in capacitance output from the pressure electrode into a digital signal;
A second converter that obtains a sensing signal output from the touch sensor via an integrator or an amplifier and converts it into a digital signal;
A pressure detector for detecting the magnitude of the touch pressure from the digital signal converted by the first converter;
A sensing unit for detecting a touch position from the digital signal converted by the second converter;
Including
The first converter and the pressure detection unit are separate configurations,
A reference potential layer is located inside a display module including the LCD panel and the backlight unit, and the amount of change in the capacitance varies depending on the distance between the pressure electrode and the reference potential layer.
smartphone.     The smartphone according to claim 7, wherein the at least part of the touch sensor located between the first glass layer and the second glass layer is at least one of the drive electrode and the reception electrode. .     The LCD panel further includes a first polarizing layer and a second polarizing layer located between the first glass layer, the liquid crystal layer, and the second glass layer, and the remaining portions excluding the at least part of the touch sensor. The smartphone according to claim 7 or 8, wherein a part of is located between the first glass layer and the first polarizing layer.     The smartphone according to any one of claims 7 to 9, further comprising a spacer layer positioned between the pressure electrode and the reference potential layer.     The smartphone according to any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein the pressure electrode includes a plurality of electrodes constituting a plurality of channels. The smartphone according to any one of claims 7 to 11, wherein a distance between the pressure electrode and the reference potential layer is changed by bending of the display module due to the touch . A cover layer;
At least a part of a touch sensor that is located under the cover layer and includes a liquid crystal layer and a first glass layer and a second glass layer located between the liquid crystal layers and senses a touch in a capacitive manner is the first sensor. An LCD panel positioned between one glass layer and a second glass layer;
A backlight unit located at the bottom of the LCD panel;
A pressure electrode located at the bottom of the backlight unit;
A reference potential layer spaced apart from the pressure electrode;
A first converter that converts a signal with respect to an amount of change in capacitance output from the pressure electrode into a digital signal;
A second converter that obtains a sensing signal output from the touch sensor via an integrator or an amplifier and converts it into a digital signal;
Including
The touch sensor includes a plurality of driving electrodes and a plurality of receiving electrodes,
A drive signal is applied to the touch sensor,
The touch position can be detected from the digital signal converted by the second converter ,
The magnitude of touch pressure can be detected from the digital signal converted by the first converter ,
The amount of change in capacitance varies depending on the distance between the pressure electrode and the reference potential layer,
The reference potential layer is located inside a display module including the LCD panel and the backlight unit.
smartphone.     The smartphone according to claim 13, wherein the at least part of the touch sensor located between the first glass layer and the second glass layer is at least one of the drive electrode and the reception electrode. .     The LCD panel further includes a first polarizing layer and a second polarizing layer located between the first glass layer, the liquid crystal layer, and the second glass layer, and the remaining portions excluding the at least part of the touch sensor. The smart phone according to claim 13 or 14, wherein a part of is located between the first glass layer and the first polarizing layer.     The smartphone according to any one of claims 13 to 15, further comprising a spacer layer positioned between the pressure electrode and the reference potential layer.     The smartphone according to any one of claims 13 to 16, wherein the pressure electrode includes a plurality of electrodes constituting a plurality of channels. The smartphone according to claim 13 , wherein a distance between the pressure electrode and the reference potential layer is changed by bending of the display module due to the touch .

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